.png)
Bonjour, Caribbean! Sail Panama to Martinique in French yacht style
10 nights of French luxury, Caribbean discoveries and underwater adventures aboard PONANT’s Le Lapérouse | 12–22 March 2027
Small ship. Big adventures. Champagne? Mais oui!
Picture this: you wake up in your elegant stateroom, step onto your private balcony and gaze across an endless expanse of turquoise Caribbean water. Somewhere nearby, fresh croissants are coming out of the oven, the espresso is brewing, and another extraordinary day of exploration awaits.
Now imagine doing all of this aboard an intimate French expedition yacht with fewer than 200 guests.
Bienvenue aboard Le Lapérouse!
I'm delighted to invite you to join me, Dean Nelson of departuresXdean, for an extraordinary 10-night, all-inclusive PONANT cruise from Panama to Martinique, 12–22 March 2027.
This is no ordinary Caribbean cruise. We're trading the mega-ships and bustling resort ports for yacht-style elegance, idyllic archipelagos, fascinating cultures, remarkable marine life and PONANT's unmistakable French savoir-faire.
From Colombia's historic cities to Bonaire's celebrated reefs, the Tobago Cays and Saint Lucia's dramatic Pitons, this is a journey designed for those who appreciate adventures by day and the art of living beautifully by night.
And with exclusive Personal Travel Management group pricing, there's another compelling reason to come aboard.
Le Lapérouse: Your private-yacht fantasy, without buying the yacht
Let's talk about the ship, because she's rather fabulous.
PONANT's Le Lapérouse is the first vessel in its Explorer-class fleet, combining the spirit of an expedition ship with the intimate atmosphere of a sophisticated French yacht.
With just 92 staterooms and suites, a maximum of 184 guests and approximately 118 crew members, this is an entirely different way to experience cruising.
Forget endless corridors and competing for a lounge chair with thousands of fellow passengers.
Here, the sea is the star.
The décor is contemporary and understated, the lounges invite lingering conversations, and the outdoor decks provide wonderful places to watch another Caribbean island appear on the horizon.
Your stateroom becomes your own beautifully appointed sanctuary, complete with a private balcony where morning coffee and late-afternoon sea views feel particularly indulgent.
There's an outdoor pool, inviting lounges, a fitness centre, spa facilities and the wonderful convenience of a marina platform designed to make accessing the sea and expedition activities easier when conditions permit.
And because this is a PONANT voyage, French hospitality is woven throughout the experience.
The result? All the pleasures of a luxury cruise, beautifully packaged into a vessel with the intimacy and character of a yacht.
Personally, I think that's a rather clever way to spend ten nights at sea.
La belle vie: French cuisine, fine wines and a little indulgence
Now, let's discuss one of my favourite subjects.
Food. Glorious food.
The French take their culinary traditions seriously, and PONANT brings that passion to sea.
Aboard Le Lapérouse, gastronomy is part of the journey.
At The Nautilus, the ship's main restaurant, thoughtful menus inspired by French culinary traditions are complemented by polished service, carefully selected wines and an inviting atmosphere.
Prefer something more casual? The ship's relaxed grill offers another dining experience, with the Caribbean sunshine and ocean views adding their own special seasoning.
Expect delicious breads and pastries, beautifully presented dishes, tempting cheeses and the unmistakable pleasure of a meal enjoyed without watching the clock.
A leisurely lunch can become an occasion. Dinner is an opportunity to discover another wine, savour another course and enjoy good company.
And yes, selected French champagnes, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your cruise fare.
Fancy a glass of champagne before dinner? Santé!
Perhaps a refreshing cocktail beside the pool? Avec plaisir!
Prefer a quiet evening on your private balcony? There's 24-hour room service, too.
Some premium beverages carry an additional charge, but the included selection offers plenty of opportunities for indulgence.
After all, we are cruising with the French.
It would be terribly impolite not to enjoy ourselves.
The Blue Eye: An underwater lounge unlike anywhere else
Just when you think this yacht couldn't become more intriguing, PONANT invites you below the waterline.
Welcome to The Blue Eye, Le Lapérouse's extraordinary multisensory underwater lounge.
Designed to connect guests with the marine environment, this remarkable space features underwater viewing windows, marine sound technology and immersive sensory elements inspired by the ocean.
Depending on where we're sailing and the surrounding marine conditions, it's an opportunity to experience the ocean from an entirely different perspective.
Imagine settling into a lounge beneath the waterline, surrounded by the gentle sounds and movement of the sea.
No snorkel required.
No wetsuit necessary.
Just you, the ocean and a rather sophisticated piece of French maritime design.
For those who enjoy distinctive experiences, this is absolutely worth exploring.
From Panama to Martinique: One voyage, countless discoveries
What makes this particular Panama to Martinique Caribbean cruise so appealing is the extraordinary variety of destinations.
Rather than spending ten nights visiting a collection of conventional cruise terminals, we'll explore colourful cities, protected marine environments, small islands and some of the Caribbean's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Panama: Colón and the San Blas Islands
Our adventure begins in Colón, Panama, near the Caribbean entrance to the legendary Panama Canal.
From here, we sail into the San Blas Islands, part of Guna Yala, an Indigenous territory known for its distinctive island communities and extraordinary seascapes.
Picture tiny palm-covered islands, white sand and water that seems to change colour with every passing cloud.
It's a beautiful introduction to the intimate, destination-focused character of this voyage.
Colombia: Cartagena and Santa Marta
Next, Colombia brings history, culture and a little Caribbean spice.
Cartagena de Indias is one of Latin America's great historic cities, with UNESCO-listed fortifications, colourful colonial buildings, welcoming plazas and streets that practically demand a leisurely wander.
Our next stop, Santa Marta, brings us closer to the natural treasures of Colombia's Caribbean coast, including the Tayrona region.
Here, tropical forests meet sheltered bays, with fascinating archaeological and cultural sites inland and opportunities to discover the area's marine environment.
Whether you're drawn to Colombian history, local cuisine or the underwater world, these two ports offer distinctly different experiences.
Bonaire: Paradise beneath the surface
Calling all ocean lovers!
Bonaire has earned an international reputation for scuba diving, with protected marine environments, accessible reefs and an impressive variety of underwater habitats.
This is the Caribbean destination where a pair of fins can be just as important as your favourite sandals.
Above the waterline, the island offers colourful architecture, arid landscapes and the possibility of seeing its famous flamingos.
Below the surface, it's all about coral formations, reef fish and an extraordinary sense of discovery.
For certified scuba divers, Bonaire may well be one of the great highlights of our journey.
Tobago Cays: Caribbean perfection in miniature
Imagine five small, largely uninhabited islands surrounded by aquamarine lagoons and coral reefs.
Welcome to the Tobago Cays Marine Park, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This spectacular marine environment is a favourite for snorkelling, swimming and exploring the Caribbean's natural beauty.
Sea turtles inhabit the surrounding waters, and the islands offer those magical postcard views that make you wonder whether the colours are real.
Yes, they really can be that blue.
And after a day among the islands, returning to our elegant French yacht sounds rather delightful.
Saint Lucia: Two spectacular calls, one extraordinary island
Saint Lucia deserves more than a passing glance, and our voyage includes two calls on the same day.
We'll visit Pigeon Island, where coastal scenery, heritage and beautiful beaches combine, before continuing to Soufrière, one of the island's most dramatic coastal settings.
Here, the twin volcanic Pitons rise above the Caribbean Sea, creating one of the most recognisable landscapes in the West Indies.
There are opportunities to discover Saint Lucia's history, lush tropical scenery and remarkable volcanic environment.
For those who love the sea, its reefs and snorkelling sites provide another compelling reason to explore.
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe: A little slice of France in the Caribbean
Our final island stop brings us to Les Saintes, a beautiful French-Caribbean archipelago where colourful houses, inviting cafés, small boats and a relaxed island atmosphere create an irresistibly charming setting.
This is the sort of place where I would happily find a waterfront café, order something delicious and simply watch the world drift past.
The surrounding waters also hold fascinating opportunities for marine exploration.
It's a fitting finale before we arrive in Fort-de-France, Martinique, where our cruise concludes on 22 March.
French Caribbean charm to finish a French yacht adventure?
C'est magnifique!
Dive in, darling! A Caribbean cruise with serious underwater appeal
Here's something that makes this particular voyage especially exciting.
PONANT specifically identifies diving and introductory diving among the activities associated with this sailing.
That creates a wonderful opportunity to combine the pleasures of a refined, small-ship cruise with access to some of the Caribbean's renowned diving regions.
Among the destinations of particular interest to scuba enthusiasts are:
Santa Marta, Colombia: The nearby Tayrona coast has reefs, marine habitats and established diving areas.
Bonaire: Celebrated for its accessible reef systems, protected waters and long-established diving culture.
Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: A beautiful marine park with reefs, tropical fish and sea turtles.
Pigeon Island and Soufrière, Saint Lucia: Coastal dive environments ranging from rocky underwater formations to reef systems near the Pitons.
Les Saintes, Guadeloupe: Known for varied underwater terrain, including sites suited to experienced divers.
Whether you're an enthusiastic certified diver or curious about experiencing the underwater world for the first time, this itinerary offers plenty of inspiration.
Of course, you don't need to be a diver to fall in love with this voyage. The beaches, culture, snorkelling and land excursions are equally appealing.
An important note for divers: Specific diving excursions, certification requirements, introductory experiences, local operators and additional charges must be confirmed. Diving is dependent on availability, weather, sea conditions and safety requirements. Not every location necessarily offers an organised dive through the ship.
If diving is high on your wish list, please let me know early so we can review the available options together.
Because the only thing better than a spectacular Caribbean dive might be returning to a French yacht, enjoying a wonderful dinner and recounting the day's adventures over a glass of wine.
Now that is my idea of a beautiful surface interval.
All-inclusive? Oui, s'il vous plaît!
One of the great pleasures of sailing with PONANT is how much of the onboard experience is already incorporated into the cruise fare.
Your Le Lapérouse all-inclusive voyage includes:
All gourmet meals served onboard.
A generous selection of champagnes, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea, including beverages from your in-room minibar. Premium à la carte beverages are excluded.
24-hour room service.
Complimentary unlimited onboard internet access, with connection quality dependent on location and satellite coverage.
Evening entertainment, shows and onboard enrichment programmes.
Access to the fitness area and spa facilities, with treatments and salon services available at an additional cost.
Butler service for eligible suite categories.
One included shore excursion per guest on eligible port days, selected from PONANT's published options.
Lectures and presentations by destination experts or naturalist guides.
Applicable national park and protected area fees.
Shipboard gratuities, plus port and security charges.
Included shore excursions are subject to availability, and selections generally open for advance reservation approximately two months before departure.
Additional paid excursions, scuba diving, spa treatments, premium drinks and other personal purchases may cost extra.
In other words, many of the wonderful things that make a cruise memorable are already part of the experience.
Less time calculating onboard charges.
More time enjoying the Caribbean.
That's a holiday philosophy I can happily get behind.
Why sail with me? Because good company makes great voyages even better
After more than 35 years working in tourism, one thing has remained wonderfully consistent: the people we meet and the experiences we share often become our favourite travel memories.
That's one of the reasons I love bringing travellers together on special small-ship journeys.
As your departuresXdean group host, I'll be sailing aboard Le Lapérouse with you.
Whether you're travelling with a partner, a friend or independently, you're welcome to join our group and enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with like-minded explorers.
There will be opportunities to connect over a meal, trade stories from the day's adventures or simply enjoy the pleasure of familiar faces onboard.
There's no need to follow a group schedule every moment of the day. Your holiday should unfold at your own pace.
Perhaps you prefer a dive in Bonaire while your travelling companion explores the island's cultural attractions.
Maybe one day calls for a shore excursion, while another deserves an afternoon by the pool.
That's the beauty of this style of cruising.
We can share the journey while still creating our own adventures.
And with me aboard, you'll have the added comfort of knowing your travel advisor is part of the experience.
Exclusive Personal Travel Management group pricing
Now, let's discuss another reason to join us.
I have access to exclusive Personal Travel Management group fares for this sailing, offering excellent value for guests interested in experiencing PONANT's French luxury cruising.
With just 92 staterooms and suites across the entire vessel, available accommodation is naturally limited.
If this adventure is calling your name, I recommend exploring the options sooner rather than later.
All prices are in USD, subject to availability and confirmation. Flights, applicable transfers, travel insurance and optional paid experiences are not included unless specifically indicated.
A little French chic. A lot of Caribbean magic. One fabulous journey.
There are cruises you take because you want a holiday.
Then there are voyages you choose because the ship, destinations and experiences come together in a particularly wonderful way.
For me, this is one of those voyages.
Ten nights aboard an intimate French yacht. Remarkable culinary experiences. A glass of champagne at sunset. Historic Colombian cities. Caribbean reefs alive with marine life. And those beautiful little islands that larger ships can't always approach in quite the same way.
It's indulgent without being stuffy.
Adventurous without sacrificing comfort.
And wonderfully French without having to cross the Atlantic.
So, shall we make a date with the Caribbean?
Join me aboard PONANT's Le Lapérouse, sailing from Panama to Martinique, 12–22 March 2027.
Bring your curiosity, your favourite travel companion and perhaps your diving certification.
I'll bring my enthusiasm for exploration, fabulous destinations and sharing unforgettable travel experiences.
À bientôt, mes amis. The Caribbean is calling, and I'd love you to join me.
Dean Nelson Certified Travel Advisor | departuresXdeanPersonal Travel Management | Ensemble Luxury, expedition and LGBTQ+ travel specialist
Frequently asked questions
When does the PONANT Le Lapérouse Panama to Martinique cruise sail?
The 10-night cruise departs Colón, Panama, on 12 March 2027 and arrives in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on 22 March 2027.
How many guests sail aboard Le Lapérouse?
Le Lapérouse accommodates a maximum of 184 guests in 92 staterooms and suites, creating a more intimate experience than traditional large cruise ships.
Does this Caribbean cruise offer scuba diving?
PONANT identifies diving and introductory diving as activities associated with the voyage. Opportunities must be confirmed for individual ports, and participation is subject to qualifications, medical requirements, availability and conditions. Diving may involve additional charges.
What is included in the cruise fare?
The voyage includes onboard dining, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, room service, Wi-Fi, entertainment, ship gratuities and a programme of selected included shore excursions. Certain premium beverages, spa treatments and other optional activities carry additional charges.
Can I extend my holiday before or after the cruise?
Absolutely. I can help you explore pre-cruise stays in Panama, post-cruise experiences in Martinique, flights, transfers and any other travel arrangements needed to make the most of your journey.
Are you ready to go beyond? Book your Ponant Cruise today. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.
departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt CPBC #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.
Where do you want to go? Click here to contact me.
About Dean Nelson
Dean Nelson is a Vancouver-based Certified Travel Advisor, LGBTQ+ tourism specialist and founder of departuresXdean, with more than 35 years of experience in tourism, hospitality and destination development. He has travelled to more than 145 countries across all seven continents and specializes in creating thoughtful luxury, expedition, cruise and LGBTQ+ travel experiences.
Dean's work at the intersection of tourism and LGBTQ+ inclusion has earned national and international recognition. His honours include Travel Gay Canada's LGBT Tourism Leader of the Year, the IGLTA Pioneer Award for his contributions to LGBTQ+ tourism, and recognition as a Distinguished Alumni recipient for his work in LGBTQ+ tourism and community leadership. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) in recognition of his work advancing LGBTQ+ human rights, inclusion and tourism.
Dean founded the 2010 Olympic Pride House, helped build and produce the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, and was a co-founder of Mr. Gay World. In 2026, his travel-industry peers further recognized his work when ACTA named him Canada's Leisure Travel Agent of the Year.
Through departuresXdean and Personal Travel Management, Dean combines decades of professional experience, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted global partnerships to help clients travel with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of welcome.
Comments